Friday, February 27, 2004 :::
In Fact, a Mere Human Trunk ...
Extraordinary Deformity. -- The third number of the Baltimore Medical and Surgical Journal contains an engraving which represents a singular deformity in a young woman, now twenty years of age, living in Asheville, N.C. She was born completely destitute of both arms and legs, the situation of which is merely indicated by small round projections, thus being, in fact, a mere human trunk, surmounted by a head. She possesses however, a remarkable power of locomotion, and can transport herself over the floor with ease, by submitting her body to a kind of rotary motion alternately from right to left, and contrary. By confining the handle of a broom between her chin and shoulder, she can sweep the floor with considerable dexterity. She can also sit erect, lean back, or rock herself in a chair as well as any other person, and when any thing is given her, she makes a sign for it to be placed on her left shoulder. If it be any solid article of food, she eats it from this situation. She is of a full and plump habit, healthy, and possesses a remarkably lively disposition.
The above statement is true in every particular, as we can well attest, having seen her several times, and conversed with her.
--- Fayetteville Observer, October 14, 1834. Reprinted from the Rutherfordton Spectator.
::: posted by tom at 8:17 AM
